China's second automotive wind tunnel begins operation June 28 in Liangjiang New Area in Southwest China's Chongqing. It is built by China Automotive Engineering Research Institute. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China's second automotive wind tunnel began operation June 28 in Southwest China's Chongqing.

It represents the first in the central and western part of the country, which has witnessed fast growth in the auto industry in recent years.

Since 2014, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute has invested 550 million yuan ($79.7 million) in the five-year project, located in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.

This full-size automotive aerodynamic-acoustic wind tunnel boasts a maximum air speed of 250 kilometers per hour and an environmental wind tunnel able to simulate different weather conditions.

A view of China's second automotive wind tunnel, which began operation June 28 in Liangjiang New Area in Southwest China's Chongqing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The project was constructed with the view to support research on how to reduce noise and the effects of wind resistance, improving the quality of domestic vehicles as well as solidifying Liangjiang's position in the automotive production industry.

It claims to be the largest and best-equipped such tunnel in China, serving R&D and testing for new automotive products.

China, the world's largest car market since 2009, has seen great development in the automotive industry. Shanghai set up the country's first automotive wind tunnel in 2009.

A view of China's second automotive wind tunnel, which began operation June 28 in Liangjiang New Area in Southwest China's Chongqing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]